'The Person Who Changed My Life': Wolf Blitzer

Updated 10:04 AM ET, Sat January 16, 2016

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Photos:'The Person Who Changed My Life': Wolf Blitzer

CNN's Bernard Shaw with Wolf Blitzer, reporting on the Oklahoma City bombing. "I remember vividly when we went to Oklahoma City in 1995 after the bombing of the federal office building there. He anchored our special coverage around President Clinton's participation in the memorial service. I joined him to report and provide analysis."

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Photos:'The Person Who Changed My Life': Wolf Blitzer

Shaw was CNN's principal Washington anchor when Blitzer joined CNN in 1990. "He was already an extremely well-respected figure in broadcast journalism. He had spent time on the White House beat and in Latin America for two major broadcast networks, and he was the star of CNN. Bernie had interviewed me as a guest many times before I had started, and I had watched his work as a fan for years. Little did I know he would become a friend, a mentor and a role model."

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Photos:'The Person Who Changed My Life': Wolf Blitzer

Shaw retired in 2001 right after the inauguration, after two decades working for CNN. "Bernie and I don't see as much of each other these days -- we both have busy schedules -- but whenever we can, we touch base and trade stories. He's a terrific friend and a world-class journalist who made a difference in the world and in my life. He inspired me and helped me get to where I am today. And I will forever be grateful."